What is the purpose of Resource Utilization Group (RUG) classification in InterRAI LTCF?

• A. To determine facility location
• B. To assign residents to RUG categories based on care needs, informing staffing and reimbursement
• C. To schedule visits
• D. To set meal textures

Answer: (B)

RUG classification measures how much resource use a resident’s care requires. Using data from the InterRAI LTCF assessment—such as daily activities, cognitive status, behaviors, medical complexity, therapy hours, and device use—the resident is placed into a category that reflects the level of staff time and other resources needed. This directly informs staffing decisions and the reimbursement level tied to that resident’s care. It’s not about facility location, scheduling visits, or setting meal textures.